Camp Alleghany’s 10th Annual LOL Weekend launched on June 5 with a burst of energy, laughter, and heartfelt welcomes as friends crossed the river to gather for a weekend of service, reconnection, and celebration.
From June 6–9, twenty-two alumni, spouses, and friends came together for this cherished tradition hosted by the Camp Alleghany Alumni Association. Blending nostalgia with purpose, the weekend offers former campers and staff a special opportunity to reconnect while giving back to the place that holds so many treasured memories.
During the day, volunteers tackled a wide range of projects to help prepare camp for its 103rd season, including repairs, organization, and grounds work. As always, the weekend served as a spirited and productive kickoff to summer—set against the steady sound of the Greenbrier River—and a reminder of the lasting connections that continue to shape the Ghany experience for generations to come. This summer’s services projects included:
- Repainting the orange perimeter lines on the barge
- Setting up the Camp store for the summer ahead
- Cleaning up the Counselors Lodge for incoming staff
- Planting new flowers and flower beds
- Hammering and securing loose boards around Camp
- Mailing handwritten cards to first-time campers
- Repainting and refreshing the cornhole boards
- Filling and delivering lanterns
- Digging out stairs in front of the waterfront entrances
- Organizing the Free Cycle for international and incoming counselors
- Repairing a longstanding hole in the Archery hut
- Painting the Junior Camp pump house West Virginia state colors
- Securing the award boards in the Playhall
- Setting up the workout porch behind the Counselors Lodge
A Special Highlight: Saturday Night Dinner Hosted by the LOL Team
This summer’s Head Counselor team also came across the river on June 5th and had the special opportunity to take part in one of the weekend’s highlights: the Saturday evening dinner hosted by the LOL team on the Dorch—the deck and porch area in Junior Camp.
The LOL team warmly welcomed everyone from across Camp—Head Counselors, Support Staff and their children, the Administration Team, and members of this summer’s brand-new Green Team—to join them for dinner, socialize, and build connections before the season officially begins.
The evening kicked off with a shared meal, followed by a series of games designed to foster camaraderie among the diverse groups. Activities like gaga ball, nine square, and cornhole encouraged team play and fun, helping everyone forge new friendships and lay the groundwork for collaboration throughout the summer, even among those with different roles and responsibilities.
For the Head Counselor team, the evening was especially meaningful. It gave them a valuable chance to bond with the people they’ll be working alongside for the entire summer—an experience they truly appreciated and one made possible by the thoughtful efforts of the LOL team.
This gathering set a positive tone for the weeks ahead, reinforcing the sense of community and shared purpose that defines Camp Alleghany’s spirit each season.
So Long But Be Back Soon
People often remember the beginning and the end of their most meaningful experiences—and a summer at Camp is no exception. While the magic of Camp Alleghany is created by countless hands, filled with dedication and love, we are endlessly grateful to our LOL team, who set the tone for the summer with their hard work, grace, and genuine care right from the start. Their example inspires everyone else to carry that same spirit throughout the season.
Thank you to everyone who participated this year—we send our heartfelt Ghany love to you all!
– Julie Deacon, Head Counselor of 2025
